finishing bench top

[Mike Spalding]

Joel,

With an oak door I expect you've got some very open grain.  For that, I 
would use polyurethane, and begin with several coats of sealer, 
thoroughly sanded, until the grain is filled and the surface is smooth.  
Then a couple finish coats of gloss, which is harder than either sealer 
or satin finish.  Anything less, and you'll be dealing with lots of  
splinters and surface defects.

Mike

Joel A. Jones wrote:
> William,
>
> What I have been using and enjoying using is a
> metal desk.  Top is OK and the drawers with pull
> outs make it function well.
>
> However, I have a large Oak door that I though
> would be an upgrade.  Problem comes as to what
> to put on for a finish.   The most promising to me
> was Joe Garrett's suggestions for Tung OIl.  I'm
> not clear as to the difference between Danish oil
> and Tung oil, or wipe on Poly.   I read that wipe on
> was diluted poly taking multiple coats to build a
> respectable finish.
>
> Tung Oil I have used on some small items.  Joe's
> description of sanding smooth and flat was quite
> interesting for my use.
>
> Maybe this could be a subject for a technical.  ??